Amongst the breastfeeding community, we see the dreaded “T” word come up rather often. Thrush. It’s never fun, almost always associated with pain and it isn’t usually a quick fix. Many women suffer from this condition and are recommended expensive ointments and anti-fungal pills to get rid of it. But it keeps coming back! Why? Because the real problem isn’t being fixed, it’s just being covered up temporarily by these conventional remedies. Here is the low-down on why thrush really keeps coming back and how you can keep it away for good.
What Is Thrush?
Thrush, also called candidiasis, is a yeast infection. A buildup of candida that is overgrowing and causing symptoms. Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus, also known as yeast. Candida infection is not limited to the mouth; it can occur in other parts of the body as well, causing diaper rash in infants or vaginal yeast infections in women.
Thrush can affect anyone, though it occurs most often in babies and toddlers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Oral thrush usually rears it’s ugly head fast and fierce. It normally shows up both in a breastfeeding baby’s mouth and almost always accompanied with severe pain on breastfeeding mother’s nipples.
How Do You Know If You and/or Your Baby Have Thrush?
(All symptoms may not apply to every case)
- White spots or patches on your baby’s lips, gums, inner cheeks and/or tongue.
- White coating on a baby’s tongue that is not normal milk residue. You can test this by trying to scrape the white patch, and if it comes off easily, it may just be residue, not thrush.
- Your baby seems like he/she may be in pain during or after nursing.
- Your nipples are sensitive and painful while nursing
The Truth About Thrush
What is thrush really trying to tell you?
Many sources say that this is just a harmless annoyance rather than a real health problem, but I am going to tell you why it’s worth a second look.
Thrush needs an opportunity to grow. Thrush needs the right (Yet so wrong) environment to grow and re-grow.
Thrush emerges for a few reasons.
- A hormonal Imbalance or stress
- A weakened immune system
- An overly acidic body PH level
Now there are many treatment options for thrush, such as ointments, creams antibiotics and other remedies, but these quick fixes just normally mask the symptoms, or just temporarily get rid of thrush. If you are dealing with thrush on a re-occuring basis, you need to look at the source, instead the symptoms.
How To Kick Thrush To The Curb, For Good.
Strengthen Your Immune System: This is a big deal. Your body is trying to tell you something if you are getting re-occurring thrush. We all have yeast/candida in our bodies, but when we are in good health, our strong immune systems keep the fungus from reaching problematic levels.
If you are getting thrush often, this means that there is not enough good bacteria in your body, which is why the bad bacteria is taking over. This can happen for a variety of reasons. One reason may be due to antibiotics taken by you or your baby, because antibiotics wipe out a lot of the good bacteria in your gut. The same concept applies if steroids are taken as well. Other medications or illnesses may attribute to a compromised immune system as well.
Take Probiotics: The majority of your immune system lies in your gut. Repair your digestive track and gut with good bacteria. My family, from my 3 year old son to my 35 year old husband, we all use and love Hyperbiotics.
form. Increase the benefits by having both mother and baby being on probiotics.
Alkalize Your Body: A body PH level that is too acidic opens the doors to all kind of disease. be-friend alkaline foods. Eat dark, leafy greens, and eat them often. If it’s not possible to juice fresh fruits and vegetables, purchase a high quality greens powder like this
Consider a candida cleanse: Candida Cleanses help to cleanse the intestines, the urinary tract and the reproductive tract. Choosing a high quality cleanse is important. Nature’s Plus Candida Cleanse Kit
Reduce Sugar Intake: Refined sugars compromise your immune system and create an extremely acidic environment, perfect for thrush to thrive. cut out all refined, white sugars and only consume natural sugars in moderation, like those found in fruits in vegetables.
Don’t Stress: I know what you’re thinking. Easier said than done. While this may be somewhat accurate, do not let it define your health. Mind over matter. Take time for yourself to meditate, read a book, catch a yoga class or take a walk. Take control of your mood and never underestimate what stress can do. Stress creates acid in your body, which can truly wreak havoc on your health if left unresolved. here
The next time you’re among a bunch of breast-feeding Mama’s who are struggling with re-occurring thrush, refer them here so they can see what their body is really trying to tell them and can KICK Thrush’s BUTT for good! And rock on, breastfeeding Mamas!
Thanks for letting me into your world awhile,
Naturally Nicole XO
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